|
Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)Rating:
Release Date: 08 January, 2002 Retail Price: $12.98 OUR Price: $11.99 You SAVE: $0.99! Cast: Complete Cast (13 total) |
Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition) Reviews
A classic book is now a timeless film
This story speaks about a runt of a spring pig called Wilbur, as told in the Newbary Award-winning children's novel of the same name by E.B. White.
To start things off faithfully, said pig was "saved from an untimely death" by famer's daughter, Fern Arable (played by Pamelyn), who would later act as the baby pig's guardian. But over time, Wilbur was old enough to be sold down the road to Fern's uncle, Mr. Homer L. Zuckerman.
It is there in Zuckerman's barn that Wilbur--played to reserved perfection by Henry Gibson--meets a slew of barnyard animals (Paul Lynde as comedically sly Templeton and Agnes Moorehead as the triple-talking goose) & learns of the terrible fate that befalls most pigs: that people would kill them "as soon as cold weather sets in". Worried by this, Wilbur fears for his own life.
It is at this time that he finds a life-saving friend in the form of a beautifully clever spider named Charlotte A. Cavatica, who is protrayed to soothing excellence by Debbie Reynolds. It is Charlotte and her carefully woven web (containing the words: "Some Pig", "Terrific", "Radiant", & finally, "Humble") that cataplauts Wilbur into the limelight as "Zuckerman's Famous Pig", which ultimately saves Wilbur's life.
Unfortunately, Charlotte herself dies in this heart-wrenching musical, but in the end, it is to be noted that it is the relationship of the pig & the spider that withstands even the hardest of trials (even when said spider dies, for her memory would be treasured forever in the form of her children & grand-children).
This movie proves that some classics never die, even after countless years. This can be found in many of the well-written songs for the film (by the Sherman Brothers), despite the movie's often cheesy animation as often found in most other Hanna-Barbara cartoons.
One song in particular stands out, showing the relationship between the pig & the spider, as well as the passage of time:
"How very special are we. For just a moment to be. Part of life's eternal rhyme. How very special are we. To have on our family tree. Mother Earth and Father Time. The summer larks return to sing. Oh, what a gift they give. The autumn days grow short and cold. Oh, what a joy to live. He turns the seasons around and so she changes her gown. But, they always look in their prime. They go on dancing their dance of ever-lasting romance. Mother Earth and Father Time. How very special are we. For just a moment to be. Part of life's eternal rhyme. How very special are we. To have on our family tree. Mother Earth and Father Time....The autumn days grow short and cold. It's Christmastime again. The snows of winter slowly melt. The days grow short. And then. He turns the seasons around and so she changes her gown. Mother Earth and Father Time. How very special are we. For just a moment to be. Part of life's eternal rhyme."
Regarding the previous comments made on "why is the movie boring" or "we shouldn't allow kids to know about death"...Guess what?
This is a children's film, so certain topics will have to be "glossed over", meaning that, despite the fact that death is the central theme of the book/film (if you had read the book before the film, you would know whether or not to show your kids the film by their reaction to the book), it doesn't overuse it to the point where it traumatizes the children watching (i.e.; showing the actual death of a character and/or showing the remains of said character lying in a crumpled heap, like Disney does in films like "Lion King", "Beauty and the Beast", etc.).
"Charlotte's Web" characterizes death in a way that allows parents to discuss the topic with their children without the children having to cover their eyes, fastforeward through parts of the film, or be in tears (save for when Charlotte herself dies, which is supposed to be sad).
On the flip side, though, if even Sesame Street can discuss death (Mr. Hooper, anyone?) and kids today learn about it in gruesomely graphic detail at school (kids do learn about it at younger & younger ages, ladies and gentlemen), I prefer the topic be brought forth in a calm and sensible way, such as presented in this film.
This means that, if one is the emotional type, one might want to have tissues on hand for a few select scenes, but that would be it. As for the rest of the film, just do as Charlotte says and have your:
"Chin up, chin up! Everybody loves a happy face. Wear it. Share it. It'll brighten up the darkest place. Twinkle! Sparkle! Let a little sunshine in. You'll be on the right side. Looking at the bright side. Up with your chin-y chin chin. Chin up, chin up! Put a little laughter in your eyes. Brave it. Save it. Though you might be feeling otherwise. Rise up. Wise up. Make a little smile begin. You'll be happy-hearted. Once you get started. Up with your chin-y chin chin. Chin down! You can't come frowning. Turn around. Starting, clowning. Think sad, your troubles double. Think glad, they burst like bubbles. Chin up, chin up! Every little time your spirits wilt. Chin up, chin up! Give your attitude an upward tilt. Twinkle! Sparkle! Let a little fun begin. You'll be on the right side. Looking at the bright side. Up with your chin-y chin...Chin up!"
love that Wilbur.
This is one of my favorite childrens stories. There are a lot of valuable lessons for kids to learn within the story, such as love, loyalty, and devotion to others. I shared the book with my 5 year old granddaughter and then we enjoyed watching this movie together. I would recommend this movie as a must see for all children.
More Customer Reviews (30 total)
You like Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)?
|
© 2004, 2005, 2006 DVD Booty | Don't Plunder Our Cache of Booty, Matey!
Hosting made possible by donations from consumer credit counseling, Debt Dude, and About Home Mortgages
